The Management of Hypodontia: Present and Future

From Volume 35, Issue 2, March 2008 | Pages 79-90

Authors

Francis Nohl

MBBS, BDS, MSc, FDS RCS, MRD RCS DDS

Newcastle Dental Hospital

Articles by Francis Nohl

Ben Cole

BDS, MSc, FDS RCS, MPaedDent RCS, FPaed RCS

Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Newcastle Dental Hospital, UK

Articles by Ben Cole

Ross Hobson

BDS, MDS, PhD, FDS RCPS, MOrth RCPS, ILTM

Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, UK

Articles by Ross Hobson

Nick Jepson

BDS, PhD, FDS RCS

Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, UK

Articles by Nick Jepson

John Meechan

Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, UK

Articles by John Meechan

Michael Wright

MB ChB, MSc, FRCP

Consultant in Clinical Genetics, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Articles by Michael Wright

Abstract

Developmental absence of teeth (hypodontia) is associated with characteristic morphological changes in the teeth, alveolar volume deficiencies, and skeletal jaw mal-relationships. Management may be complex, involving several dental specialties, ideally working as a close-knit team. Improved diagnostic and treatment technologies continue to evolve, ever widening the management opportunities for these patients. This paper reviews current treatment methods and looks to what the future may hold.

Article